WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 473,000, a new pandemic low and the latest evidence that fewer employers are cutting jobs as consumers ramp up spending and more businesses reopen. The decline — the fourth in the past five weeks — coincides with a rash of states led by Republican governors that have blamed generous benefits for a slowdown in hiring and are taking steps to cut off the extra aid.
US jobless claims sink to 473K as more GOP governors bar aid
